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Ferguson: Messi would be sh*t playing for Stockport

Alex Ferguson has explained why he favours Cristiano Ronaldo over Lionel Messi as the best player in the world.

Ferguson signed Ronaldo from Sporting Lisbon in 2003 and oversaw the Portuguese’s development into one of the finest talents in world football.

Ronaldo scored 84 goals in 196 Premier League games for United before his departure for Real Madrid in 2009.

Speaking at an event at the Dublin Convention Centre with Rory McIlroy in aid of the golfer’s foundation, Ferguson said: “It’s interesting to me that we hear so much about two players these days: Ronaldo and Messi.

“Now don’t get me wrong, Messi is a fantastic player, it’s like he’s wearing slippers when he controls the ball. But here, for me, is the difference. Messi is a Barcelona player.

“But Ronaldo could play for Stockport County and score a hat-trick. He has everything. He can shoot with both feet, head the ball, he’s as brave as a lion, and here’s something else people overlook.”